If you e-filed your return, it’s submitted to the IRS once you upload your signed consent form or use the self-select PIN authorization. When the IRS accepts it, you’ll get an email with your submission ID. You can then track your refund status using the IRS Refund Satus tool.
Here's an overview of what we'll cover—click any section to jump ahead.
- IRS E-File Overview
- Returns That Cannot Be E-Filed
- For Mailed Tax Returns (Streamlined Procedure)
- For Mailed Tax Returns (Dual-Status Returns)
- Contacting the IRS
IRS E-File Overview
- Most US tax returns can be e-filed.
- Refund tracking applies only if you’re expecting money back from the IRS.
- The IRS typically processes e-filed returns in about 21 days, though times may vary.
- For possible delays, see our tax refund delays guide for US citizens abroad.
Returns That Cannot Be E-Filed
- Streamlined Procedure: Must be mailed to the IRS. Processing typically takes 90–120 days.
- Dual-Status Returns: These also cannot be e-filed and must be mailed. Processing times are similar to the Streamlined procedure.
For Mailed Tax Returns (Streamlined Procedure)
- For mailed returns under the Streamlined procedure, processing takes 90–120 days.
- If you owe taxes, you will receive an interest/penalty bill that confirms your return was processed.
- Your return was likely accepted if you don’t owe taxes and hear nothing after 3 months.
The current IRS address for Streamlined submissions is:
Internal Revenue Service
3651 South I-H 35
Stop 6063 AUSC
Attn: Streamlined Foreign Offshore
Austin, TX 78741
United States of America
IRS – US Taxpayers Residing Outside the United States
For Mailed Tax Returns (Dual-Status Returns)
- Dual-Status Returns cannot be e-filed and must be mailed.
- Processing times are similar to the Streamlined procedure (90–120 days on average).
- Mailing address depends on whether you are sending a payment with your return:
For international filers, the mailing address depends on whether you are sending a payment with your return:
If you are not including a payment:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Austin, TX 73301-0215
United States of America
If you are including a payment:
Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 1303
Charlotte, NC 28201-1303
United States of America
IRS – Where to File Paper Tax Returns With or Without a Payment
Please note that if your return contains Form 8854 for Long Term Residents you will send it directly to:Internal Revenue Service 3651 S IH35 MS 4301AUSC Austin, TX 78741
Contacting the IRS
You can also check your tax return status by calling the IRS International Hotline: +1-267-941-1000 (Options #1, #4, then #1). This number is for international callers and overseas taxpayers.
Note: The number can change, so confirm the current International Hotline on the IRS website before calling.
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